Tag Archives: Featured

Emerging Artists of the DMV

A panel discussion with Ksenia Grishkova, Blair Murphy, and Jack Rasmussen

8 pm Talk; 8:45 pm Q&A

Target Gallery’s exhibition, 2018 Emerging Artists, features work by four up-and-coming artists from the region. The exhibition jurors will speak about the current state of the visual arts in the region and where it is going.

Panelists are: 

About Torpedo Talks

Every Second Thursday of the month, join us at 8 pm for a free discussion in the main hall. Created on the belief that the arts is for everyone, we invite a different contemporary artist, curator, or activist in the creative arts world to stop by and share their knowledge in a short power-packed talk. It’s a chance to get inspired while connecting with other open-minded folks in your area.

Professional Practices for the Visual Artist

This workshop, presented by Jeffery Allison, Paul Mellon Collection Educator and Statewide Manager at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), is devoted to the needs of the individual artist. Topics include photographing artwork, funding opportunities, developing professional relationships with galleries and publications, copyright issues, and marketing on the web. This program has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is supported, in part, by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund. This workshop is sponsored by the Friends of the Torpedo Factory.

Workshop Location:
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 North Union Street
Studio 326
Alexandria, VA 22314

Purchase Tickets

Please bring laptop, notebook, and writing tools to take notes during this workshop. Any other necessary supplies will be confirmed prior to the workshop. 

About Jeffery Allison
Jeffrey Allison is the Paul Mellon Collection educator at VMFA and a professional photographer. He holds a BA in photography and film from Virginia Intermont College and an MFA in photography from VCU.

About the Friends of the Torpedo Factory
The Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation which promotes, enhances and preserves the unique assets of the Torpedo Factory Art Center and its value to the community by cooperating with the factory and artists to provide education and awareness of the arts through programs, exhibits and events.

The Friends present workshops for artists, art lectures and demonstrations for the established art lover and young audiences alike, as well as mentorship programs for students in the Alexandria area.

The Late Shift: What is Art?

Celebrate the work of some of the region’s best up-and-coming talent during the opening for Target Gallery’s Emerging Artists exhibition. Meet the exhibition jurors and featured artists and hear them talk about their artwork. Mix and mingle with the Factory Society young-patrons group.

Friday, April 13
7 – 11 pm
Torpedo Factory Art Center
RSVP here

What is Art?

The question of “What is Art?” has been asked for ages. Find answers with us tonight during several activities and receptions:

7 – 9 pm: Opening Reception: 2018 Emerging Artists – Target Gallery (Studio 2)

Target Gallery, contemporary exhibition space of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, presents a new yearly exhibition featuring the work of four regional emerging artists. This exhibition spotlights new talent and the up-and-coming artistic innovators of the D.C. metropolitan area.

The selected artists for 2018 Emerging Artists are:

Katie Barrie
Ronald Jackson
Hollis McCracken
Holly Trout

The jury panel features: Ksenia Grishkova, Director of Touchstone Gallery; Blair Murphy, Independent Curator; and Jack Rasmussen, Director and Curator at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center.

 

7 – 9pm: Meet the Factory Society – Grand Hall

The Factory Society is an independent young-patrons group that supports the Torpedo Factory’s mission of igniting the creative spirit. Mingle with Factory Society members, hear about their upcoming events and projects, and find out how you can become a member.

 

Gallery Receptions, Open Studios, and Special Activities

 

7 – 9 pm: Meet the Artist: Alexis Gomez – Post Grad Studio (Studio 319)

Welcome the Spring 2018 Post-Grad artist, Alexis Gomez, as he begins his residency at the Torpedo Factory. space, he creates settings that induce an inner and outer body experience, reflective of the constant transition that our consciousness undergoes. During his residency, Gomez will continue to integrate the virtual and physical realms as he experiments with new-media including VR/3D animation in conjunction with figural sculpture. Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, Gomez received his bachelor’s of fine arts from the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at the George Washington University. Gomez is an interdisciplinary artist with a focus in figural sculpture, painting, and animation. He is a Sparkplug member at the District of Columbia Arts Center and Flatfile artist at Transformer Gallery. He is currently living and working in Virginia.

 

7 – 9 pm: Final Weeks: Shade Renee – New Project Studio (Studio 8)

Shade Renee is the local emerging artist selected by Jessica Kallista of Olly Olly, a new alternative artist-driven space located in Fairfax. Shadé Reneé, a graduate of Parsons School of Design, specializes in couture, fashion that is custom and made-to-measure. Her work is treated with opulence, love, and fierceness. She’s best known for hand-embroidery and bead work, dedicating more than 3,000 hours to this talent. Shade completes her two-month residency at the Torpedo Factory at the end of April. Stop by to meet the artist and take part in a hands-on workshop called “The Artist’s Way.”

 

7 – 10 pm: Artist Demonstrations

Join us for artist demonstrations with Factory artists all evening. Times and studio locations will be posted shortly.

 

7 – 10 pm: Scrap City with AIA (3rd Floor Landing)

Celebrate Architecture Week with our friends at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Northern Virginia Chapter. Join us on the third floor for a family-friendly activity where visitors can build their own miniature city out of scrap parts. Part of an entire week of Architecture-related programs from April 8 – 14 at AIA and participating locations.

 

Live Acrobatic Performances by Circus Siren Entertainment – Various Locations

Throughout the night, catch members of Circus Siren Entertainment as they engage in pop-up performances both on the waterfront and inside the Torpedo Factory. Whether it’s a stilt walker or a hula hoop artist, there will be plenty of fun to be had as you enjoy the night.

 

Hands-on Art Making with the Mobile Art Lab

Featuring a screen-printing project with artist Sardar Aziz.

Sardar Aziz is an impressionist painter who’s work includes figurative and cityscape subjects, mostly on large scale life size canvases. Join him in making a project dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of King’s death.  www.facebook.com/Sardar.Artwork

 

Face and Body Painting with Rebecca Rose

Rebecca Rose is a fine artist, body painter and make-up artist. She has a distinct style and fondness for painting bright, bold images. In her teen years she explored stained glass art, and the raw elements of the medium still echo through her paintings today.

Music all Night by DJ Vico Vibez

DJ Vico Vibez is the local affiliate DJ with D.C.-based Words Beats and Life Inc., official DJ for muralist duo MASPAZ and CHELOVE, and DJ for the D.C. to Standing Rock Movement.

 

Artist Projects and Displays

Check out artworks and live demonstrations all night by local DC/Maryland/Virginia artists!

Rockeats Alcoreza
Alexia Costa
Marcelo Medrano
Ja’Mon Jackson

 

 


Sugar Shack Donuts and Coffee Pop-Up Space

Enjoy a variety of sweet donuts and delicious coffee at Sugar Shack’s Pop-Up Space during our Late Shift Art Night, as well as peak times on Saturdays and Sundays through the month of April at Torpedo Factory.

 

 

Wine and Beer Bar provided by the Factory Society

 

(artwork: Katie Barrie, Kink/Whim, Highload Acrylic on Canvas. 2017)

Art and Social Impact with Halcyon

A talk by Kate Goodall of Halcyon

8 pm Talk,  8:45pm Q&A with Audience

RSVP Now

Halcyon promotes social good by encouraging socially engaged creatives to learn, freely experiment, sometimes fail, and advance their talents and visions. CEO and Co-Founder Kate Goodall shares how Halcyon Arts Lab incubator has impacted the greater metropolitan arts scene. Presented in collaboration with Halcyon.

About Halcyon

Halcyon celebrates creativity in all forms and galvanizes creative individuals aspiring to promote social good. We bring together diverse groups of changemakers in art and social enterprise and provide a safe haven for their bold ideas to take flight. #halcyonincubator #halcyonartslab #halcyondialogue

About Kate Goodall

Kate Goodall is the Co-Founder and CEO of Halcyon, a non-profit dedicated to solving 21st century problems by providing space and access to emerging leaders in social entrepreneurship and the arts. Goodall continues to grow Halcyon’s offerings in 2018 with By The People, an international arts and innovation festival in partnership with the Smithsonian and numerous organizations throughout DC. In 2016, Goodall helped establish WE Capital, a consortium of leading businesswomen investing in and supporting women and women-led companies. Goodall has served as juror at national and international social entrepreneurship competitions, was listed as one of the Washington Business Journal’s Power 100 and 40 Under 40, Washingtonian’s 2017 Tech Titans, and Techweek 100 DC’s Talent Cultivators.

About Torpedo Talks

Every Second Thursday of the month, join us at 8 pm for a free discussion in the main hall. Created on the belief that the arts is for everyone, we invite a different contemporary artist, curator, or activist in the creative arts world to stop by and share their knowledge in a short power-packed talk. It’s a chance to get inspired while connecting with other open-minded folks in your area.

 

Architecture, Design, and Cultural Space

Cultural and public spaces are where social values can be expressed in real time. Three panelists, Ronit Eisenbach, Philippa Hughes and Khara James, will share their experiences with the design of various cultural spaces. Information about the panelists is available here.

Reception at 6:30, Panel Discussion at 7:30pm

$12 AIA members, Torpedo Factory members, tenant artists and Factory Society members; $10 students; $20 non-members.

Part of Virginia Architecture Week and the 2018 Women in Architecture Lecture Series.

Purchase Tickets Now

 

PANELISTS:

RONIT EISENBACH

Ronit is an architect, artist, curator and educator whose scholarship, pedagogy and multi-disciplinary, collaborative practice, StudioRED  joins architecture installations, exploratory performances and public participation in situ. Her ephemeral works spark dialogue about our relationships with the places we make for ourselves and with one another. Situated within museums, abandoned buildings and on public streets, Eisenbach’s interventions simultaneously operates at and connects two spatial and temporal scales — the intimate scale of the individual and the public scale of the city. A creative team builder, her works invite active participation, engaging a wide-range of partners in the ongoing effort of transforming, enhancing and attending to place while acknowledging inherent and meaningful tensions that exist between flux and stability. Co-author of Installations by Architects and Ruth Adler Schnee: A Passion for Color, she is a Fellow of the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, SandBox at Washington College, and the MacDowell Colony. At the University of Maryland, she is an Associate Professor of Architecture, Director of Creative Placemaking for the National Center for Smart Growth and the Kibel Gallery Curator. www.roniteisenbach.com

 

PHILIPPA P.B. HUGHES 

Philippa P.B. Hughes is a social and creative placemaker, creative connector, and cultural strategist, who designs inventive and collaborative projects that strengthen communities, connects people who would not normally meet in meaningful dialogue, and opens portals to art and culture for the culturally curious. She constructs human-centered activations that facilitate connections between neighbors, reinforce community bonds, and strengthen relationships. She believes that people are hungry for the opportunity to connect and build relationships with one another. Social and creative placemaking can provide creative portals that connection. She is also personally committed to finding ways for people to connect across political divides. For example, she has been hosting dinners with Trump supporters and opponents, as well as dinners with liberals who span the left side of the political spectrum.

She is experienced in public and private collaborations having produced placemaking projects in collaboration with numerous Business Improvement Districts across D.C. and in partnership with the D.C. Office of Planning. She  executed two creative placemaking projects funded by the Kresge Foundation. Philippa is also the chair of the board of the DuPont Underground, a former trolley stop turned into art space and she has served on the board of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities among numerous other boards throughout Washington, D.C. Philippa studied Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia and also received her law degree from that institution. She practiced investment adviser regulation for six years before transitioning to the full-time pursuit of social and creative placemaking.

 

 

KHARA JAMES, RA
PERKINS EASTMAN

Khara James is an Architect whose design focus is predominantly on primary and secondary educational facilities. She has experience in all phases of design and construction including programming, schematics, technical documentation, and construction administration. Her passion for community-based design and architecture’s role in shaping the culture of a place serves as a foundation for her design approach. Khara was educated at the University of Maryland where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees. Since graduating in 2013, she has worked at Perkins Eastman where she is now an Associate. Khara’s greatest contributions have been to some of the firm’s largest school modernization projects such as Langley High School , Oakton High School, and the award-winning Roosevelt High School in Washington D.C.

 

MODERATOR

SARAH WATLING, LEED AP
PERKINS EASTMAN DC

Sarah Watling works at Perkins Eastman DC Architects in Washington, DC, on large-scale projects here and abroad. Before joining PEDC, Sarah practiced research, development and design both domestically and internationally for over 15 years. Her training in art history, environmental policy and planning, and landscape architecture enable a unique big-picture perspective. Passionate about resiliency, her projects have included master planning ecotourism infrastructure in Central and South America, regional sustainable economic policy modeling and implementation, research and evidence-based sustainable land reclamation in sub-Saharan Africa, therapeutic landscapes , and sustainable revitalization of fragmented urban cores. Her interest areas are the power of public art as mediator between ecology, economics and society; the prioritization of community-based strategies in sustainable urbanization; and building rural-urban linkages in response to economic, environmental and population pressures. She has presented her work nationally and internationally and volunteers regularly with AIA Women in Architecture, the District Architecture Center and on various public art installations.

2018 Emerging Artists

Opening Reception: Friday, April 13, 7 – 9 pm | Artist Talk 7:30 pm

Jury Panel Talk: Thursday, May 10, 8 – 9 pm

Target Gallery, the contemporary exhibition space of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, introduces a new annual exhibition series featuring the work of emerging artists of the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region.

The public reception will be part of the Torpedo Factory’s Late Shift: What is Art event.

There will also be a talk with the jury panel on May 10, at 8 pm as a part of the Torpedo Factory’s Torpedo Talk lecture series.

“These artists are the future,” said Leslie Mounaime, director of Target Gallery. “It is our responsibility as a leading regional arts institution to foster exhibition opportunities, advance budding artistic endeavors and compensate emerging artists.”

The selected artists for 2018 Emerging Artists are:

Katie Barrie
Ronald Jackson
Hollis McCracken
Holly Trout

They were selected by a jury panel: Ksenia Grishkova, Director of Touchstone Gallery; Blair Murphy, Independent Curator; and Jack Rasmussen, Director and Curator at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center.

Katie Barrie (Richmond, VA)

Barrie’s paintings are rooted in abstraction. Her work is a nod to minimalism, breaking landscapes down to their simplest forms. Each painting contains specific references to colors, patterns, and structures—both organic and manmade—found in America’s National Parks. “I strive to create a balance between formalistically abstract paintings, while also addressing the impact humans have brought upon their land,” she said.

Ronald Jackson (Spotsylvania, VA)

As a figurative artist, Jackson captures intimate settings and uses them as a gateway to ponder the complexities of the human experience, as well as the society that influences them. “My goal is to create work that is visually poetic,” he said, “aiming to create an interactive experience in which the viewer is compelled to ponder possibilities that are likely reflections of their own experiences. I hope my work triggers self-discovery of value, beauty, and significance among people who in some way feel marginalized.”

Hollis McCracken (Richmond, VA)

McCracken’s uses reclaimed materials from vacant and derelict buildings to create sculptural works that communicate universal human emotions, such as abandonment, isolation, absence, and loneliness. “I’ve been particularly drawn to rundown and abandoned buildings,” she said. “I empathize with these sad-looking structures, that were once majestic, as former versions of myself, rough around the edges and neglected until someone sees through to their potential.”

Holly Trout (Washington, D.C.)

Trout’s work explores the ways in which cast-off objects and materials can be transformed from their normal order into anomalous objects and systems. She creates drawings and small sculptures from a broad range of sources and materials such as children’s toys, plants, anatomy texts, crafting materials, and home repair supplies. “I attempt to understand the absurdity, alienation, and disorder within the world I experience,” she said. “Through hybridization of the real and artificial, and craft and trash, my work is playful, often with darker underpinnings.”

About the Artists

Katie Barrie is an abstract painter based in Richmond, Virginia, where she is a master’s of fine arts candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University. She received her bachelor’s of fine arts from the University of Michigan, School of Art and Design in 2011. Barrie has shown her work professionally throughout the United States as well as internationally in France, Iceland, and Spain.

Ronald Jackson is a figurative painter originally from rural Arkansas who currently resides in Spotsylvania, Virginia. He studied Architectural Design at Mission Viejo College in California before pursuing a career in the U.S. Army in 1992. In May 2014, Jackson retired from the Army after 21 years of service and has since worked as a professional artist. His art has been on exhibition throughout the D.C. metropolitan region, and as well as internationally in a group exhibition in Seoul, South Korea. He is currently represented by Galerie Myrtis in Baltimore.

Hollis McCracken is sculpture artist originally from the West Coast. She has shown work primarily in San Francisco and Tucson, Arizona. McCracken currently lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is a master’s of fine arts candidate and an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts in the Craft & Material Studies department. She received her bachelor’s of fine arts at Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 2011.

Holly Trout is an interdisplinary artist working primarily in drawing, sculpture, and installation. Trout is currently based in Washington, where she is an master’s of fine arts candidate at American University. She received her bachelor’s in art history from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. This will be her first exhibition in a professional gallery space.

8th Annual March150 Art Party

#March150

Target Gallery’s popular annual exhibition and art sale, March150, returns! The March150 Art Party, presented by the Factory Society, is the closing reception for Target Gallery’s March150 Special Exhibition and Art Sale, where all remaining artwork is discounted to just $100. All proceeds from artwork sales support future exhibitions and programs at the Target Gallery and the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Join us for a lively evening featuring a special menu of hors d’oeuvres provided by Catering by Seasons, a wine bar sponsored by Sonoma Cellar, fun hands-on art activities with the Mobile Art Lab, a green-screen photo station provided by the American Geosciences Insitute, live music set with DJ VicoVibez, and more! We will also be presenting special artists awards at 9pm selected by Factory Society, The Art League, Torpedo Factory Artists Association, the Friends of the Torpedo Factory as well as the People’s Choice Award. We will also be allowing for the first time for your purchased artwork to be picked up the night of the party!

Tickets are $25 in advance/$30 at the door. Ticket’s will go on sale starting Friday, February 23rd!  You may purchase tickets at the online or at the door. (pre-sale tickets end on Thursday, March 22nd at 11:59pm)

Note: Tickets are transferable, but not refundable. 

Get Your Tickets

A special thank you to our sponsors:

 

March150: 8th Annual Special Exhibition & Art Sale

Art Party: Friday, March 23 7 – 10 pm | Awards @ 9 pm

Target Gallery’s popular annual exhibition and art sale, March150, returns to the Torpedo Factory Art Center for the 8th year. Proceeds benefit future exhibitions and programs at Target Gallery and the Torpedo Factory.

Target Gallery, the contemporary exhibition space for the Torpedo Factory, collected more than $13,000 in 2017 through March150. This yearly all-media exhibition features over 200 works created by artists local to Alexandria and the greater D.C. region. The only requirement to be on view in the exhibition is that artists needed to use the gallery-supplied 10” x 10” panel. All work in the show is priced at $150.

“March150 is a perpetual favorite with patrons and local artists alike,” said Leslie Mounaime, director of Target Gallery. “This exhibition is a low-pressure environment. It encourages new collectors to buy original art, exposes seasoned collectors to new local artists, and sets the stage for artists to test new techniques and ideas.”

March150 Art Party

Target Gallery is partnering with the Factory Society, an independent young-patrons group that supports the Torpedo Factory, for the March150 Art Party on Friday, March 23; 7 – 10 p.m. Guests have an opportunity to mingle with other art enthusiasts and meet many of the artists who have artwork on view in the show. All art is priced at $100 exclusively during the Party.

The evening also features music by DJ Vico Vibez, hands-on artmaking with Alexandria Office of the Arts’ Mobile Art Lab, and a green-screen photo booth provided by the American Geosciences Institute. Hors d’oeuvres provided by Catering by Seasons and the wine was hand-selected by Sonoma Cellar. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door.

Artist awards will be given by The Art League, the Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association, Factory Society, and Friends of the Torpedo Factory. Party attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award, with a prize presented by Target Gallery.

Get Your Tickets

Sneak Peek at Late Shift

 

Sneak a peek and build your wishlist at a special preview of the 2018 March150 Special Exhibition & Art Sale. Proceeds benefit future exhibitions and programs in Target Gallery and the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Hear Post-Grad artist Lyric Prince share about her experiences at the Torpedo Factory. In the New Project Studio, welcome Shadé Reneé, the emerging artist selected for Experimentation/Exploration, a partnership with Olly Olly celebrating emerging artists in the region. Join us in the main hall for a special reception honoring GMU students with with zines curated by Christopher Kardambikis and available for sale at the Torpedo Factory Gift Shop.

About The Late Shift: Sneak Peek

 

The Late Shift: Sneak Peek

Sneak a peek and build your wishlist at a special preview of the 2018 March150 Special Exhibition & Art Sale. Proceeds benefit future exhibitions and programs in Target Gallery and the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Hear Post-Grad artist Lyric Prince share about her experiences at the Torpedo Factory. In the New Project Studio, welcome Shadé Reneé, the emerging artist selected for Experimentation/Exploration, a partnership with Olly Olly celebrating emerging artists in the region. Join us in the main hall for a special reception honoring GMU students with with zines curated by Christopher Kardambikis and available for sale at the Torpedo Factory Gift Shop

Sneak Peek (March150 Preview)

On View: “March150 Preview”– Target Gallery (Studio 2)
Sneak a peek and build your wishlist at a special preview of the 2018 March150 Special Exhibition & Art Sale. Proceeds benefit future exhibitions and programs in Target Gallery and the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Gallery Receptions, Open Studios, and Special Activities

Creating Engagement Among Arts Professionals

A talk by Ruth Abrahams and Jennifer Riddell of ArtTable DC

Torpedo Talks @ Second Thursday

 

8pm Talk,  8:45pm Q&A with Audience

RSVP

 

ArtTable is a national organization focused on support and development of professional women in the visual arts. ArtTable DC’s program State of Art/DC: A Conversation explores the impact of contemporary visual art and art-making on the region. Co-Chair Ruth Abrahams and Communications Co-Chair Jennifer Riddell discuss the evolution of the program and the four editions presented to date.

Presented in collaboration with ArtTable DC.

About Torpedo Talks

Every Second Thursday of the month, join us at 8 pm for a free discussion in the main hall. Created on the belief that the arts is for everyone, we invite a different contemporary artist, curator, or activist in the creative arts world to stop by and share their knowledge in a short power-packed talk. It’s a chance to get inspired while connecting with other open-minded folks in your area.